The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre will host an international gold forum on April 27, at the Atlantis, The Palm. Speakers at the DMCC Gold Convention will be include industry experts from Standard Bank Plc, the World Gold Council, McKinsey & Co., GMFS Ltd., and Dubai Gold Securities.

Organized against the backdrop of considerable volatility being witnessed in both global and regional gold trade, the “DMCC Gold Convention; 2009: Year of the Bull or Bear?” will encourage debate and discussion on the key factors impacting this sector. The half-day summit will bring together bankers, traders, investment professionals, jewelers, miners, refiners, and other stakeholders to discuss and gain insights into price trends, demand-and-supply dynamics and other issues that impact the gold industry.

“As an asset class, gold has retained its allure and ‘safe-haven’ appeal amidst the current challenging economic environment,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC executive chairman. “Sustained strong levels of gold trade through Dubai, and the opening up of a range of gold financing and investment opportunities here, demonstrate Dubai’s continued leadership in the sector. As a key facilitator of the gold industry, DMCC is pleased to host the ‘Gold Convention,’ which will reaffirm the Emirate’s position as the City of Gold.”

The day’s program includes presentations from Standard Bank on the relative position of gold in the commodities spectrum, the investment case for gold by the World Gold Council; price and demand-supply trends by GFMS Ltd; strategic insights from McKinsey & Co; and the latest innovations in Shariah-compliant gold investments by Dubai Gold Securities.

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion that will include local and international experts who will discuss their views on the outlook for the price of gold.

JCK